Abstract: MSHA is
updating its mine rescue team equipment standard for
underground coal and metal and nonmetal mine rescue
teams. The final rule would update the requirement for
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) from 2-hour to
4-hour apparatus; increase the required oxygen and
chemical reserves to maintain mine rescue teams from 6
hours to 8 hours; increase the required number of full
charged oxygen bottles from one extra to two extra; and
require mine rescue stations to be equipped with four
approved, hand-held multi-gas detectors or four gas
detectors for each gas which may be at the mine served.
The final rule would increase safety and improve
effectiveness of mine rescue teams.